Partly sunny, a few late-day thunderstorms, high 82

Today looks the same as the last few days. Partly sunny skies are expected, with warm and humid conditions making it feel a little uncomfortable again today. High temperatures top out in the lower-80s. Scattered thunderstorms are also anticipated this afternoon, with a brief heavy downpour possible.

The weather pattern remains the same for Monday and Tuesday. While the chances of rain have been scattered over the last few days, a better threat of widespread showers/storms across western Massachusetts appears to be on Monday. High temperatures continue to stay in the low-80s, with humidity levels on the high side.

We will be watching the possibility of another heat wave heading towards the 4th of July. The large upper-level trough keeping the weather unsettled through Tuesday actually shifts a little to the west. A large high pressure system over the Atlantic (known as a "Bermuda high") also shifts a little west. This will put western Massachusetts in a very strong southwesterly flow in between these two systems. Heat and humidity will be pumped into the region in very similar fashion to earlier last week. Pop-up, late day thunderstorms also continue later in the week.

This past week was the National Weather Service's Lightning Safety Awareness Week. Links to information about the science, statistics, and safety regarding lightning can be found on the CBS3 Pinpoint Weather Blog.